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Staff

We take great pride in our staff at every level. Meet the animal care professionals that make ACVH the favorite vet practice in the Ahwatukee Foothills. If you'd like to meet them in person, consider becoming a new client or schedule an appointment.

Doctors

Linda R. Elliott, DVM

Dr. Elliott was born in Cedar Rapids, IA and received her DVM degree in 1978 from Iowa State University in Ames, IA. The call of the West brought her to Arizona after graduation to work in a Mesa practice specializing in small animals. In 1979 Dr. Elliott opened her own practice in Mesa, then moved into Ahwatukee Commons Veterinary Hospital in 1989. Dr. Elliott shares her east valley home with three dogs, one cat, and a herd of 40+ alpacas. Additional members of the equestrian family are stabled nearby. The colorful and exotic member of the clan, a chestnut chested macaw named "Oliver", can be found every day at the clinic for your enjoyment and entertainment. In her free time she enjoys singing in the Tempe Community Chorus and blowing custom glass vessels.

Jessica Ercius, DVM

Dr. Ercuis was born in Chicago, IL and moved to Ahwatukee in 2000. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Arizona in 2013 and graduated from Oklahoma State University with her Doctor of Veteirnary Medicine Degree. She has two cats, Oscar and Oliver, a dog named Jager and a fish named Unagi. In her free time to loves to explore the outdoors either hiking or on horseback. Dr. Ercuis also enjoys baking sweet goodies to share! Dr. Ercius decided to become a veterinarian because she wanted to help animals and their humans!

Office Manager

Melissa

Melissa relocated to Phoenix in the spring of 2013 from Florida where she was born and raised. She graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Animal Sciences and wants to become a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys hiking, fishing, kayaking, reading, baking and anything outdoors! But most of all, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and pets. She has a household which includes; 2 dogs, Tiberius and Nyota and 2 cats, Winston and Viola, and would do anything to ensure they live a long and happy life.

Receptionist

Wendy

Wendy is from Port Lavaca, Texas which is quite evident when you hear her speak that southern drawl. Upon graduation from high school in Texas, she went to real estate school and acquired her license. She then moved to Arizona and acquired her real estate license here. Wendy decided that real estate was not for her and as a result we were lucky enough to have her join our team! She has three dogs: two chihuahuas and a Mexican hairless. Wendy loves the hairless dogs! Wendy enjoys going to drive-in movies, bicycling, cooking, shopping and traveling. She also loves going back to Texas to visit her sons, other family, and friends.

Certified Veterinary Technicians

Ashley

Ashley interned with us when she was studying to become a Certified Veterinary Technician. After graduating she became a full time staff member. Ashley moved to Tucson with her boyfriend for a few years and recently she has moved back to the Phoenix area and rejoined our staff. We are so glad to have her back! Ashley is also a native to the state of Arizona. In her spare time she loves camping, fishing and exploring all that our beautiful state of Arizona has to offer. Ashley currently has one cat named Tom, who she absolutely loves dearly! Ashley has a bright future ahead of her as she is currently working towards earning her Bachelors of Business Management. Welcome back Ashley!

Veterinary Assistants

Erin H.

Erin is originally from Rochester, New York and came to be an Arizona resident in 2011. She completed her Veterinary Assisting program at Carrington College shortly before joining our team in 2013. Erin enjoys cooking traditional German cuisine, hiking the Sonoran desert mountains, and spending time with her two English Bulldogs, Layla and Dozer, and her trouble maker French Bulldog, Hendrix. A weekend warrior at heart, Erin plays in a hockey league and supports local baseball teams at their spring training games. Erin prides herself on being a “people person” and enjoys good conversation; she is always up for a good chat, especially if it’s about rabbits!

Erin M.

Erin M. is from the suburbs of Chicago, Illiniois and has been in the sunny state of Arizona since July of 2015. She has a B.S in Biology from the University of Findlay in Ohio and brought two kittens names Swanson and Stanley with her while her dog Guinness held down the fort in Chicago with Erin's parents. Erin likes to golf and enjoys re-purposing projects in her home when she's not volunteering at the Phoenix Zoo. In the future she wants to expand her experience in the veterinary field or work in conservation. Fun fact? Erin's dad is a certified balloon artist and Erin herself has the magic touch for balloon art!

Laura

Laura grew up in Kingman, Arizona. She has been back in Arizona for 4 months after being adventurous in Colorado, where she received her Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology at Colorado State University. Laura’s passion is to one day work in animal therapy. When she is not helping the lives of animals she loves to run, paint and do Mixed Martial Arts. Don’t get on Laura’s bad side because she also has a black belt! Laura also enjoys spending time with her 2 dogs Love Bug and Grace.

Kennel & Boarding Technician

Anita

Anita is a California girl living in an Arizona world. She moved to Arizona in May 2017 from Santa Rosa, California to pursue her career in veterinary medicine. In her spare time she likes to binge watch Netflix shows or snuggle with her kitty, Blake, while reading a good book. You better watch out because, she is also interested in different types of martial arts, especially the sport of Muay Tai. While you are away, Anita is giving your fur babies the best TLC with a goal to one day become a Certified Veterinary Technician.

Clinic Liaison

Oliver

Dr. Elliott rescued Oliver, a chestnut fronted McCaw, from a bird ranch in Tucson. He was born in 2007 and was previously owned by an elderly lady with dementia. When Dr. Elliott brought him to ACVH little did she know she had her work cut out for her. Once she brought him to the office and put him on the counter she realized that Oliver has the mouth of a sailor! Oliver loves to greet our clients with a “hello” and a “goodbye.” Oliver also enjoys listening to music and dancing to the beat, if you’re lucky he may dance for you! Although, Oliver appears to be friendly and outgoing he is very cautious of strangers and new people so come by and enjoy Oliver’s company just watch your fingers.

Clinic Ambassador

Willard

Willard was born in 2001 on a small farm here in the valley, so you can consider him a farm boy. One day Dr. Elliott was out doing her riding lesson and said “Hey, that’s a really cool cat!” She took him home that day to become her lovable barn cat. Willard loves the great outdoors. His past times included sleeping on hay bails and getting love and treats on demand and boy can he demand! As Willard matured he was not the best barn cat; therefore Dr. Elliott decided to bring him to the clinic to bring joy to all her staff on a daily basis. Willard enjoys long naps on his plush bed, casual strolls around the treatment area and FOOD!